Last week Justin Bieber made a joke on Snapchat many assumed was calling out One Direction for choosing the same Nov. 13 release date as his much anticipated fourth studio album, believed to be titled Purpose. Now it appears Bieber doubled down last week with some more serious commentary in a radio interview with New Zealand’s Smash! The Edge on Thursday.
When asked about One Direction’s Made in the A.M., Bieber had a theory for why they would choose the same date as him — after he’d already called dibs.
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“They’re not really going on the road much, but we’re talking about them right now, so it gives them some promo, right?” he said. “So, that’s probably why they did it… I think it was strategy on their part because my release date was first.”
Bieber was clear to make sure it wasn’t getting to him, though, as he continued, “But whatever. It’s whatever. It’s going to be fun. I’m excited to see what happens.”
Watch the interview here: